For nine October days each year, Bristol becomes the centre of the UK literary world as it plays hosts to the Bristol Festival of Literature; a celebration of the written word in all of its punctuated and grammatically correct glory.
This year proved to be the biggest year yet, with over forty incredible writers both young and old, showcased in a wide range of events staged at various venues across the city; ranging from bookshops and cafe's to theatres and caves.
From shops to caves to theatres, no location was too extreme or unsuitable for people to witness the magic in the literary word in all of its glory. And when it came to kicking things off in style, writing royalty doesnt get much bigger then Mr Ian. M Banks, who agreed to open the festival.
Other highlights included an interactive session on Monday October 14 with four award winning authors; Moira Young, TM Alexander, Chris Fisher & Sarwat Chadda, presenting a session entitled 'How to Write Stories Kids Really Want to Read', providing priceless advice for the wannabe children's author from four experienced author's who have been there and done it all before.
There were local author's too, discussing tales of the city and other things, from Clive Bulton following the route his great-grandfather in law used to take when he was a tram conductor between the wars, to John Lanchester who, apparently, knows the true identity of Banksy, Bristol's favourite son.
The musical world also made an appearance, with Radiohead's artist in residence Stanley Donwood hosting a session in which he read from his collection of short stories, accompanied by performance artist Rik Jerrom of the act natural theatre company.
Other talks came from Emilya Hall, a Bristol based author who won the Richard and Judy Summer Book club 2012 award, Helen Hart, Alison Baverstock and Claire Christian who presented an in-depth analysis of self-publishing methods and techniques, and the Bristol Writers Group who performed their works in the hidden depths of Bristol's Redcliffe caves.
And so another year has passed and another literary festival has helped to inspire and fan the flames of another generation of eager Bristol authors in waiting. But as with anything in life, true success can only come from something when you are passionate about doing it and willing to put in the countless thousands of hours practicing and failing and trying again necessary to make your passion become your reality. But if writing is your passion, then the opportunities and insights offered by the Bristol festival of literature really are second to none.
This year proved to be the biggest year yet, with over forty incredible writers both young and old, showcased in a wide range of events staged at various venues across the city; ranging from bookshops and cafe's to theatres and caves.
From shops to caves to theatres, no location was too extreme or unsuitable for people to witness the magic in the literary word in all of its glory. And when it came to kicking things off in style, writing royalty doesnt get much bigger then Mr Ian. M Banks, who agreed to open the festival.
Other highlights included an interactive session on Monday October 14 with four award winning authors; Moira Young, TM Alexander, Chris Fisher & Sarwat Chadda, presenting a session entitled 'How to Write Stories Kids Really Want to Read', providing priceless advice for the wannabe children's author from four experienced author's who have been there and done it all before.
There were local author's too, discussing tales of the city and other things, from Clive Bulton following the route his great-grandfather in law used to take when he was a tram conductor between the wars, to John Lanchester who, apparently, knows the true identity of Banksy, Bristol's favourite son.
The musical world also made an appearance, with Radiohead's artist in residence Stanley Donwood hosting a session in which he read from his collection of short stories, accompanied by performance artist Rik Jerrom of the act natural theatre company.
Other talks came from Emilya Hall, a Bristol based author who won the Richard and Judy Summer Book club 2012 award, Helen Hart, Alison Baverstock and Claire Christian who presented an in-depth analysis of self-publishing methods and techniques, and the Bristol Writers Group who performed their works in the hidden depths of Bristol's Redcliffe caves.
And so another year has passed and another literary festival has helped to inspire and fan the flames of another generation of eager Bristol authors in waiting. But as with anything in life, true success can only come from something when you are passionate about doing it and willing to put in the countless thousands of hours practicing and failing and trying again necessary to make your passion become your reality. But if writing is your passion, then the opportunities and insights offered by the Bristol festival of literature really are second to none.
About the Author:
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